exerts its influence. — Magnetic fluid, the hypothetical fluid whose existence was formerly assumed
in the explanations of the phenomena of magnetism. — Magnetic iron, or Magnetic iron ore. (Min.)
Same as Magnetite. — Magnetic needle, a slender bar of steel, magnetized and suspended at its
center on a sharp-pointed pivot, or by a delicate fiber, so that it may take freely the direction of the magnetic
meridian. It constitutes the essential part of a compass, such as the mariner's and the surveyor's. —
Magnetic poles, the two points in the opposite polar regions of the earth at which the direction of the
dipping needle is vertical. — Magnetic pyrites. See Pyrrhotite. — Magnetic storm (Terrestrial
Physics), a disturbance of the earth's magnetic force characterized by great and sudden changes. —
Magnetic telegraph, a telegraph acting by means of a magnet. See Telegraph.
Magnetic
(Mag*net"ic) n.
1. A magnet. [Obs.]
As the magnetic hardest iron draws.
Milton. 2. Any metal, as iron, nickel, cobalt, etc., which may receive, by any means, the properties of the loadstone,
and which then, when suspended, fixes itself in the direction of a magnetic meridian.
Magnetically
(Mag*net"ic*al*ly), adv. By or as by, magnetism.
Magneticalness
(Mag*net"ic*al*ness), n. Quality of being magnetic.
Magnetician
(Mag`ne*ti"cian) n. One versed in the science of magnetism; a magnetist.
Magneticness
(Mag*net"ic*ness), n. Magneticalness. [Obs.]
Magnetics
(Mag*net"ics) n. The science of magnetism.
Magnetiferous
(Mag`net*if"er*ous) a. [L. magnes, -etis + -ferous.] Producing or conducting magnetism.
Magnetism
(Mag"net*ism) n. [Cf. F. magnétisme.] The property, quality, or state, of being magnetic; the
manifestation of the force in nature which is seen in a magnet.
2. The science which treats of magnetic phenomena.
3. Power of attraction; power to excite the feelings and to gain the affections. "By the magnetism of
interest our affections are irresistibly attracted." Glanvill.
Animal magnetism, a force, more or less analogous to magnetism, which, it has been alleged, is produced
in animal tissues, and passes from one body to another with or without actual contact. The existence of
such a force, and its potentiality for the cure of disease, were asserted by Mesmer in 1775. His theories
and methods were afterwards called mesmerism, a name which has been popularly applied to theories
and claims not put forward by Mesmer himself. See Mesmerism, Biology, Od, Hypnotism. — Terrestrial
magnetism, the magnetic force exerted by the earth, and recognized by its effect upon magnetized
needles and bars.
Magnetist
(Mag"net*ist), n. One versed in magnetism.
Magnetite
(Mag"net*ite) n. (Min.) An oxide of iron (Fe3O4) occurring in isometric crystals, also massive,
of a black color and metallic luster. It is readily attracted by a magnet and sometimes possesses polarity,
being then called loadstone. It is an important iron ore. Called also magnetic iron.
Magnetizable
(Mag"net*i`za*ble) a. Capable of being magnetized.
Magnetization
(Mag`net*i*za"tion) n. The act of magnetizing, or the state of being magnetized.
